Field notes, v648

Dunmire, William W.

1954

Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley

Original Source

Source Material:
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MUSEUM OF VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY

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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from CLIR https://archive.org/details/fieldnotesv64800dunm

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Dunmire, W.W. March-May 1954 Nepal Catalogue nos. 30-107 Journal Species Accounts Birds Mammals

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W.Dunnire 1954 Catalogue Mar. 16 S. Branch Tamur River, elev. ±1000ft., Nepal. 30 mouse 19/7-18-12 12 gm. above specimen discarded, skull lost Mar. 17 1 mi N. of Dhankuta, Nepal; elev ±9,000 ft. 31 ♂ Bird (Minivet?) (testes 8 mm) 16.5 gm 32 ♀ Nuthatch (testes 6 mm) 19.9 gm. 1 mi S. of Jhorlekharta, elev. 4600ft., Nepal 33 ♀ Bird ova < 1mm. 5.5gm. 34 ♀ Bird largest ovum 2mm 28.2 gm. 35 ♂ Bird 16.9 gm. ♂ only 36 ♀ Bird - Same as WWD 33 Mar. 18 Arun River Valley, elev. 600ft., Nepal 37 ? Dove Streptopelia orientalis 189 gm. 38 ♂ Bird testes 2mm. 23.5gm. 39 ♂ Bird testes 2mm. 14.2gm. 40 ♂ Falcon testes 6mm. 197 gm. 41 ♂ Bird testes 4mm 20.2 gm. 42 ♂ Same sp. as 41 testes 4 mm. 19.0 gm. Mar.19 Arun River Valley, tributary stream elev. 900 ft., Nepal 43 ♂ Bird ? testes 8mm, white, turgid (W. Unsoeld) 45.3 gm. 44 ♀ Bird largest ovum 1mm 8.8 gm. Mar.20 1/2 mi N. of Khandbhari, elev. 3300 ft., Nepal (Arun Riv. Drainage) 45 ♂ Bird testes 1 mm. 7.7gm. 46 ♀ Parus Bird largest ovum 2mm. 15.4 gm. Mar. 21 5 mi Not Khandbhari, elev N 5000ft., Nepal (Arun Riv. Drainage) 47 ♀ Bird largest ovum 2 mm. 40.0 gm. 48 ♂ Bird testes 3mm. 25.4 gm.

w.w. Dunmire 1954 Catalogue Mar. 22) Ridge 6 mi S. of Num, elev ~7000 ft, Nepal (E. Arun Riu Drainage) 49 ♀ Bird? ova <1mm, iris dark brown. 40.9 gm. Culicicapa ceylonensis pallidior 50 ♂ Bird (flycatcher?) testes 4 mm, white 7.9 gm. Mar. 23) 2 mi S. of Num, elev. 6000 ft, Nepal (E. Arun Riu Drainage) 51 ♂ Bird (wren?) testes 4mm, gray 12.8 gm. Sarrulax sriatus sikkimensis 52 ♀ Bird (Jay?) largest ovum 2mm. 128 gm. Mar. 23) Arun River Valley Bottom, 1 mi N. of Num elev. 3000 ft Nepal 53 ♂ Bird testes 6mm, turgid, white 18.1 gm. Phoenicurus fuliginosus Phoenicurus l. leucocephalus 54 ♀ Bird largest ovum <1mm. 34.8 gm. Mar.24 55 ♂ mouse testes 6mm, soft, white 134-62-17-19 10.5 gm. 56 ♂ "Rat" testes 8mm., abdom. 272-154-26-18 34.7gm. 57 ♂ Shrew testes 8mm. abdun. 187-80-22-7 37.2 gm. Skel only 58 ♂ Bird, same sp. as WWD 54 testes 2mm. 33.0gm. Mar. 25) 1 mi N. of Yetung elev. 6500ft (W.side Arun Riu Drainage), Nepal 59 ♂ Bird testes 9mm, firm, white 10.2 gm. Saxicola turgidata indica (Malayan Stonechat) Melophus lathami subscritata Mar.26 60 ♂ Bird testes 5mm firm, white 18.5gm. Monticola rufiventris 61 ♂ Bird testes 2mm., black 18.8 gm. Barun River Valley, 4 mi SW. of Makalu, elev ~15,000 ft, Nepal April 7 62 ♂ Bird testes 3 mm., yellow. 34.0gm (Sparrow?) Prunella collaris nipalensis Monticola rufiventris (Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush) 63 ♀ Bird (flycatcher) largest ovum <1mm. 16.6 gm. Monticola rufiventris 64 ♂ Bird (flycatcher) testes 2mm, black 16.8gm. Barun River Valley, 3 mi SWot Makalu, elev. ~15,500 ft. Nepal April 8 65 ♀ Bird largest ovum 1mm. much fat 27.1 gm. ? Siphone ruficauda Prunella collaris nipalensis 66 ♂ ?(♂?) Bird (Sparrow?) 34.2gm. Skel only 67 ♂ Bird testes 2 mm, yellow. 33.2gm. Same sp. as WWD. 66 Barun River Valley, elev. 12,600 ft, Nepal April 21 68 ♂ Vole (Microtus?) testes 12mm., scrotal 146-91-20-16 39.9 gm. April 20 69

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w.w. Dunmire Catalg y e 1959 Barun River Valley elev. 14,000 ft, Nepal April 20 69 ♀ bird (Pipit) testes 6 mm., white 21.0 gm. Barun River Valley, elev. 12,600 ft, Nepal April 21 70 ♀ imm. bird ova < 1 mm. 4.7 gm. 71 ♀ Chickadee largest ovum 1 mm. 11.19 gm. Lanius schach nepalensis (Rufous-backed Shrike) April 20 72 ♀ Shrike largest ovum 1 mm. 46.8 gm. Carpodacus thura ss.?? April 2? 73 ♂ Finch testes 2 mm., yellow 29.19 gm. April 22 74 ♀ Vole (Microtus ?) vag. closed no devel. foll. 155-33-23-15 27.9 gm largest foll. 1mm. 192-32-20-17 35.0 gm ? Vole (Microtus ?) vag. open Phylloscopus pulcher ? Warbler) 76 ♂ Ad. Bird testes 2 mm., white 6.69 gm. Cevrthia familiaris mandelli? Crepper) 77 ♂ Ad. Bird (Crepper) testes 9 mm., firm, white 8.9 gm. Parus dichrous - dichrous Titmouse ?) 78 ♀ Ad Bird (Titmouse ?) testes 9 mm., firm, white 13.4 gm. Carpodaevs thura ss.?? April 21 79 ♀ ad. Finch ova < 1 mm 32.89 gm. " 80 ♂ ad Bird testes 6 mm., black 70.0 gm. " 81 ♀ Ad Bird largest ovum 1mm. 62.09 gm. Skel only" 82 ♂ Bird (same sp as wwd 69) = wwd 69 testes 3 mm., yellow 22.59 gm. Skel only" 83 ♂ Bird: same sp as WWD 64 testes 6mm, white 18.39 gm. Skel only" 84 ♀ Bird same sp as WWD 63 (964) largest ova 1mm 16.29 gm. Skel only 85 ♂ Vole (Microtus?) same sp as WWD. 75, testes 12 mm April 23 86 ♀ Ad. Bird largest ova 1 mm 28.29 gm. Phoenicovus ( leucocephalus (White-capped Redstart) Skel only 87 ♀ Finch ova < 1mm 28.79gm. Skel only 88 ♀ Vole (Microtus ?) 2 Emb. +? sterile horn: C.R. 15 mm. 25.1 gm. April 24 89 ♂ Vole (Microtus ) testes 9mm scrotal 198-43-22-15 35.5 gm. " 90 ♀ Lagomorph (Ochotuna ?) CR. 38 mm . 155-3-37-26 195 gm Skel only 91 ♂ Finch same sp as WWD. 73 testes 2mm, yellow. 33.0 gm. Barun River Valley, elev. 15,500 ft, Nepal ay 4 ♀♂ Bird (sparrow ?) Specimen discarded 93 ♂ Vole (Microtus ?) testes 9 mm., scrotal 115-12-18-14 35.9 gm

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W.W.Dunnire Catalogue 1954 Barun River Valley, 3 mi SW of Makalu, elev 15,500 ft Nepal. May 8 94 ♀ Vole (Microtus ?) CR. 25 mm. 129-15-18-13 36.9 gm. testes 12mm white, abdom. May 1 95 ♂ (?) Lagomorph (Ochotona ?) 188-0-33-26 166 gm. Same sp. as WWD 96 ay 5 96 ♀ Lagomorph (Ochotona ?) ovary undevel. 195-0-39-26 172 gm. 3 pink corpora lutea each ovary - 1 mm. 97 ♀ Vole (Microtus ?) 114-19-20-13 30.3 gm Same sp. as WWD 97 CR.=10mm (fol:?) el only 98 ♀ Vole (Microtus ?) 2 Emb. ea. Uterine horn 113-18-21-19 31.29 m Barun River Valley 3 mi SW of Makalu elev ~16,000 ft Nepal Perdix Perdix ferwa iris brown; legs red-orange May 4 99 ♂ Ad Partridge testes 18 mm, grey (Coll by Angutharkay) 597 gm. Barun River Valley 3 mi SW of Makalu elev 15,500 ft Nepal Columba leucoptera testes 11 mm., white (Coll. by Angutharkay) May 5 100 ♂ Ad Pigeon (Snow ??) iris yellow; feet pink 281 gm. Lophophorus impejalus iris blue, feet green May 17 101 ♂ Ad. Pheasant testes 22 mm. (Coll by Angutharkay) 5 lb. Barun River Valley, 3 mi SW of Makalu, elev. 15,500 ft Nepal May 18 102 ♀ Lagomorph (Ochotona) no developed follicle 203-0-32-28 172 gm. (block head) Leucosticta brandti audreyana 103 ♀ Ad. Bird largest ova < 1mm. 24.4 gm. Tetraogallus tibetanus feet, bill, skin behind eye orange; iris brown 104 ♂ Ad. Ram Chukor (Partridge) testes: 13 mm., 9 mm. (Coll by Angutharkay) 3 1/2 lb. Carpodacus puniceus puniceus May 19 105 ♂ Ad Finch testes 2mm, yellow 43.3 gm Barun Valley, 4 mi SW of Makalu, elev. 15,000 ft, Nepal 106 ♂ Ad. Bird (sparrow) testes 8 mm., yellow, iris red 31.0 gm. Prunella collaris nipalensis April 29 107 Ram Chukor Egg (same sp. as WWD. 104)

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Journal 1954 Mar 15 Mar. 17 1/2 mi W. of Dharan, elev 300 ft, Nepal. Set line of 10 museum spec. Traps in rocky site near farmhouse. Many cultivated fields nearby. Site contains occasional low, sage brush-like bushes. No mammals caught.

V.W. Dunmire 1954 Journal Mar 16 Mar. 16 S. Branch Tamur. Rvr, elev ±1000ft., Nepal. Set line of 15 Mus. Spec. traps on W. bank of river overnight. Caught one "Peromyscus-like" mouse. Don. Tree in this valley is occurin. Stream bottom boulder filled w. some sand. Few grass patches near trap line - (WW.D.30) Note: The above specimen was discarded Mar. 17 because of lost skull.

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W.M. Dunmire 1954 3. Journal Mar. 17 Mar. 17 AM. 1 mi N. of Dharbanta, Nepal. elev ~ 7000ft. Planted pine forest near ridge top West- facing slope. Set trap line overnight in draw (no water); no catch. One bird shot 6:00 AM from pine branches (WWD 31). at least one other of this sp. flying about here. A nut-hatch (?) [WWD 32] shot from trunk of pine. This bird was feeding moving down the trunk. Except for pine forest area here is hillside agriculture or eroded gullies. 31 32 PM. # 1 mi S. of Thorle Kharta, elev. 4600, Nepal North-facing slope of Arun River Valley, within 1000 vertical ft. of top of slope. Mainly terraced rice paddies (no rice growing now). A few very small streams in gullies. Rice paddies interspersed by bamboo and deciduous tree (cotton wood?) groves. Slope here 25-30°; much erosion evidence here. Set 2 traps in hollows ~12 in drain, in rice fields. At least 7 bird sp. active in the tree grove. Shot 2 birds out of a flock of 6-8 (some species - WW.D. 33, 36). These birds act much like Busk-Tits flitting about from limb to limb 33,36

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W.W. Domine 1959 Mar 17 (Sat.) Mar 17 in the trees & bambusa, with continuous high pitched notes. Time is 4:30 P.M. A long crested bird flaps to bambusa tops / which also contain the former sp. 34 and is shot (W.W.D. 39). 5:00 P.M. a flock of 4-6 birds (W.W.D. 35) are active in the tree tops, then fly down into the brush, thicl 6-8 ft high including a block leery-like plant; one of these bird taken. These birds call continuously with anelding warble. 35

1954 May 18 Arun River Valley, elev. 600 ft, Nepal. A falcon + 2 small birds taken along side the river, which is sand bottomed with occasional tree graves. The falcon (W.W.D. 40) is sitting motionless on top of a 6 ft. boulder. Several other falcons have been seen overhead in the immediate area and one is posted on the apex of a 50ft. tree debut 100 yds. from the bird shot. The small birds, same sp. (W.W.D. 41, 42), are shot from a bush of ~6 birds in low, willow-like trees within 100 ft. of the river. Time 4:00 PM. A dove + two other smaller birds are taken from the clay, partially wooded (broad- leafed trees), steep slope 75 yds. from a stream small tributary off on the east side of the Arun River. The slope is S-facing & all 3 birds taken are not more than 100 ft. up the slope. The 2 smaller birds (W.W.D. 38, 39) were shot from low trees. The dove (W.W.D. 37) is taken from the top of a 50ft. tree bare of leaves. There is one other dove in the same tree. Time 4:30 PM.

Mar 19 Arun River Valley, tributary stream elev 900 ft Nepal. About 10 mi W.S.W. of Chauripar. The tributary is on the east side of the Arun & the area is about 1/2 mile from the main river. One small bird shot from a dense patch of green brush 40 yds. from the stream. There is at least one other bird of this sp. apparently feeding in the brush. Steep slopes above are very dry - grass & some trees & brush.

Munro 1954 Mon 20 \underline{1/2 mi N of Khendbari, elev. 3300 ft. Nepal}. This is Arm. Ruith Drainage, east side. One small bird shot from the top of a 30 ft. tree in a dense forest of these planted lemon leaf trees (WWD 46). There is at least one other bird of this species flitting about in the tree tops nearby. No conspicuous call note. Time 3:00 P.M. \underline{Khendbari Village, elev. 3300 ft. Nepal}. One (WWD 46) bird of two which are in some low brush below a brous grove & 100 ft from the houses of town is shot, 4:30 P.M. Many swallows flying over head. Entire area is heavily farmed, although erosion is not as severe in evidence here.

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Mabonnie 1954 Mar 21 5 mi N. of Khandbari, elev 5500 ft, Nepal. E. side of Arun River drainage. The site is rocky - large granite boulders, open lurval, occasional tree groves. A few rice paddies nearby. One bird shot from the upper branches of a 50 ft. tree (WW.47) There are 8 or 10 other birds of this sp. calling in the tree. Time 10:00 A.M., a nearly dry creek flows nearby. Two birds are seen to alight on the top branches of a lone 50 ft. tree. They remain there for about 7 minutes until one is shot (WW.P.48). The intermittent creek flows near the base of the tree. Another bird, presumably of this sp. is seen motionless atop a 10 ft. boulder, remaining there ~ 5 min.

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Mar. 22 1954 AM. Ridge 6 mi S. of Num, elev >700ft. Near E side of Arun River drainage. This high ridge is densely forested w. broadleaf trees including occasional Rhododendrons. Underbrush is rather thick & lush with ferns & other low shrubs. No visible sign of flowering under, but ground is moist. Many birds calling here. One out of a flock of [WW.D 49] -> 2-3 is shot from a 30ft tree, 8:30 A.M., another is taken from the top of ~ 35 ft. tree. This lone bird, presumably a flycatcher, is continuously calling a several noted song from the tree top - flies from one to p to another before being shot (WW.D 50). Time 9:00 A.M. P.M., 2 mi S. of Num, elev ~ 6000ft. Nepa], E side of Arun River drainage. Extremely dense jungle-like habitat, Trees up to 60 ft. high (broadleaf.), secondary 6-10 ft. shrubs & ferns, moss on ground. An intermittent stream bottom. Following up the stream bottom, 4:30 P.M. a wren-like bird is heard & then seen scratching about in the underbrush. There are several other ground birds about, but this one seems to be calling with a banish Wren-like ("typewriter") note. The bird is shot (WW.D 51). Further up the dry stream

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(Mar 22, cont.) Died a flock of at least 3 Jays are chattering in the tree tops - flying from one tree to another as I approach. One bird (WW1052) is taken. 5:00 P.M. A line of traps is started along the stream bottom, but a heavy rain commences so the line is abandoned after getting 3 traps out. By next morning this nothing has been caught. Estimate .05 inches of rain fell in late afternoon & early evening.

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"McDermott Journal Mar. 23 1954 Arun River Valley Bottom, 1 mi W of Nume, elev 3000ft Nepal. The Arun valley here is a 4,000ft deep, V-shaped canyon densely forested with broad leaf trees & brush on either side. There are several small tributary stream gullies in the area. The river bed is narrow & rocky here. A conical sized bird is seen flitting about from boulder to boulder (W.W.D. 53). As it lights on a large rock there is much flickering of the red-tailed tail. This bird avoids vegetation as I follow it up a stream gully - finally it is shut. Several others of these birds are noticed among the stream bordes this afternoon. Another larger red- tailed bird is seen in the same habitat of the former - acting much the same, although this one is more wary of my presence & there is less tail flickering & general activity. This bird is also shut. Time 2:00 PM. (W.W.D. 54) & Three trap lines [illegible] (15 mm. spec. & rat traps, 13 mm. spec.) are set. See Mar. 24.

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mabonne 12. Tunnel Mar. 24 1954 Anna River Valley Bottom, 1 mi N. of Muss, elev. 3000 ft. Nepal (See Mar 23). One mouse 55 (W.W.D. 55) is caught from a line of 15 mus. spec. traps set along a small tributary stream. The site is mostly rocky (stream bed) with some low bushes & occasional grass & forb patch. Another line was set in a talus gully from the stream to 200 ft. above! 6 rat, too 2 mus. spec. 56 traps). A "rat" is caught in a small trap, the rest 1/2 highest set. The large angular talus (granitic) blocks are up to 3 ft. down in size, and a few low forbs are growing here. The 3rd line of 13 mus. spec. traps are along another small stream in a damp, shady! (W.W.D. 57) gulch. A large chew is taken from a trap set at the rocky margin of the stream. #602 There is much moss & some grass & forbs growing about the rocks. 58 A luid (W.W.D. 58), some sp. as W.W.D. 57 is shot from its perch on an 8 ft. stream boulder. # Time 7:00 A.M.. Rain commences 11:30 A.M., continues on through afternoon. Estimate .10-.15" fell during this period. Trap lines are checked & left overnight again, but nothing is caught (total 36 traps) by morning.

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1954 Journal Mar. 25 1 mi N. of Yetung, elev. 6,500' (W. side Arun Riv. Drainage) Near. Terraced rice paddies, now short-cropped grass covered, rocky, with low trees & brush in the stream gullies on this 20°, S-facing slope. A lizard is shot from the top of a boulder (W.W.D. 59); no other observed. A line of 20 mm. spec. traps is set in a stream gully (small amount of water flowing) and extending over a grassy knoll to a dry stream gullies. Traps left overnight, but about 4:30 PM . 1/5" of rain falls, & nothing is caught. Mar. 26 Some locality. One lizard taken, 7:00 AM (W.W.D. 60) from a large bush. Another lizard (W.W.D. 61) shot 9:00 A.M. from the lower branches of a 30 ft. tree.

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1954 Journal April 7 Baram River Valley, 4 mi S.W. of Makalu, elev. 15,000 ft., Nepal. Timberline (of firs & Rhododendron) is at about 13,500 ft., so this locality is all above. The longest plant life is the occasional low (1-1½ ft high) Juniperus shrub; another low shrub is more common but smaller. There is dry glass & moss covering much of the ground. Some snow on the N-facing slopes, but the S & W-facing slopes are free of snow & the soil (or sand in many places) is quite dry. The river bottom is laid among granite boulders and the valley bottom is ¼ - 1 mile broad & level in this very recently glaciated region. The river here has little water in it due to the cold which prevails throughout the day (day time ten- peratures averaged 28°F + minimums have been about 15° F during the last several days). This valley is surrounded by snow covered peaks on all sides, peaks from 20,000 - 28,000 ft in height. During the past week mornings have been clear, but by 12:00 - 2:00 P.M., skies are overcast & invariably a slight snow falls which melts on the ground the next morning. Apparently, judging from ground scats, this region is heavily grazed by goats & yaks later in the season. Now,

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1954 Apr. 7 (cont.) There have been no sight records of war- moles since we have arrived 4 days ago. Perhaps the most frequently observed bird is the red & blue flycatcher (W.W.D. 63+64) which perch on the larger granite boulders. There are few insects about, and these birds have never been seen actually feeding. A male & female of this species were taken from the boulder tops at 10:00 A.M. These were 1/2 mile from each other, but at 11:00 A.M. another male & female pair of these birds were perched within 100 ft. of each other. At 9:30 A.M. a solitary bird was seen & immediately shot as it hopped up among some boulders near shrub patches (W.W.D. 63). Another common bird of this habitat is the partridge (?). These birds, singly, in pairs or in larger groups are often seen & more frequently heard on the partial brush slopes. See species account for description. Several times large eagle-like birds have been seen soaring 50-500 ft. above the ground; and a smaller bird of prey, probably a kite has been seen in this area.

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Muslin Journal 16. April 8 1954 Burun Kinle Valley 3 mi S.W. of Mabalna, elev v 15,500 ft., Nepal. See April 7 for habitat description. Habitat is same for that date although about 500 ft. higher in elev.) 5,66,67 Three birds (W.W.O. 65,66,67) taken at 7:15 A.M. within 200 ft. of base camp. All three birds (66 & 67 are same spec.) were shot from large broncles. They were not apprehensive of my presence even the later two, even after I had fired shots.

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1954 69 Journal April 20 Borum Valley, elev ~14000 ft., Nepal. On the open, partly rocky junipers & other low shrub slopes bird WWD 69 is shot near one of many small streams fed from the snow ~2000ft. alone. Ground is moist here, & grass & [illegible] low forbs are turning green. Several other birds of this species are seen from time to time on these open slopes. Time 3:30 P.M. Borum Valley, elev 12,600 ft., Nepal. This is just below timberline. The valley here is one mile wide, rather flat bottomed, forested with a Abies welwiana & Rhododendron mixture (alpine thuds) on the E facing side, and [illegible] - covered with some open grassy /grass forbs up to 3" high in the meadows. Meadows on the W. forming side. Most of the brush is not yet in leaf. 7:30 P.M. a shrike (?) is seen flying into a dense brush patch on thin W.-forming valley side (100 yds from camp); the bird is shot. (W.W.D. 72). 4:30 - 6:00 P.M. 4 trap lines are set out: #1, 10 traps (no spe.) in a meadow covered with runways and holes leading under the soil, 1 1/2 - 2" deep; #2 along a rocky bottomed side creek lined with dry, dense

Museum 1954 Ups. 26 (cont) 8 mus. spec. traps brush + occasional grass (just turning green); #3 along a large stream to W. bank forested with alder + Rhododendron; th E. bank with occasional fire + some brush; 10 traps (1 cut); #4 along the edge of a morain with a stream parallel 50 ft away, rock size up to 3ft. - 15 traps set incl. mt mus.spec., 1 gopher set in the numerous burrows (probably the same mammal here as in the meadows?) Total - 43 traps

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Joraul April 21 1954 Bhum Valley elev 12,500, Nepal. A single rodent is caught from the line of 44 traps. This Microtus-like vole is taken from line #1 - in the grossy meadows. The trap was placed on the crossing of two fresh trails in semi-tall grass (W.W.D. 68). All traps are left set in place (no other traps were sprung; all bait present). 68 7:15 A.M. A Chickadee (W.W.D. 71) is shot from a flock of ~6 in the tops of a fir tree. This is a stand of several firs & Rhododendron on the E. side of a tributary stream; the sun has just worked this location. Besides the usual "chick-a-dee-lee" call, these birds have an unexpected whistled song. One bird was observed giving this call at the apex of a fir (perhaps this is the mating note - or, while to the 3 noted call of the Wm. Chickadee?) 71 a tiny greenish bird (W.W.D. 70) is shot from the upper branches of a fir; no action observed. 70 From a dry creek bed a [illegible] is seen to fly into a dense brush patch (no leaves), and this specimen is taken (W.W.D. 73), a finch, 8:00 AM. Specimens put up 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM 3:00 P.M., Traplines are run again, and

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Mount Carmel Apr. 2/ (last) 1959 4 traps are added to lines #1, 2 & 3, now connecting them. No mammals in the set traps. 5 traps are set in and around a cone, dimensions: 10' high, 15' wide, 25' deep, where 3/16

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April 22 Brown Valley elev 12,600 ft, Medal. 6:00 A.M., the yesterday ground is foot covered & skies are clear. Trap line is inspected; 2 voles (Microstus?) are cought one in a meadow trap placed along at a trail 9" from a burrow (W.W.D. 75), the other from the forested mossy banks of the larger stream (Luse #3) - W.W.D. 74, where two traps were place 3" from a runway in the green moss. 7:08 A.M. From the banks of a stream a bird (Titmouse?) is shot in a Rhodod- dendron thicket. There are several of these titmice constantly flitting about amongst the Rhododendrons and at least on Linobola is calling from a fir overhead (W.W.D. 78). A [illegible] light full song is heard from several sources; one of these is traced to the upper limbular of a tree where a tiny bird hops from limb to limb during the single pitched trill, whenever he is stationary. This specimen (W.W.D. 76) is taken. Another kind some species is later seen in a fir top, giving the same song.

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murdammi April 22, sat. 1954 8:00 A.M. A [illegible] Creeper is seen feeding on the upper limbs of a fir. The bird feeds on the bottom of the horizontal branches as often as on the top & is constantly moving except when pecking at the bark. After missing one shot at the bird which only causes it to flit to another limb, the bird is taken on the 2nd firing (W.W.D. 77.) 1:15 P.M. My Sherpa helper examines the trap lines & brings back one vole caught in a meadow traps across a trail. From condition of animal it was probably caught in the early morning (W.W.D. 85) Entire day is spent putting up the 12 specimens. Cloudy dry wind today but only a slight rain in the afternoon partly clearing dry clouds. 77 8:30 A.M. A flycatcher is shot from atop a dry limb (W.W.D. 84) 6:00 P.M. Trap lines are examined again, nothing caught. Bird flesh is exchanged for fig or walnut meat in some of the rat traps & a #1 steel trap is set on a small trail (8" wide) on t-moss in the fir forest across the stream (trigline #3). Trap is baited with bird carcass 85

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April 23 1954 88 Barren Valley elev 12,600 ft Mescal. Morning clear & frosty (estimate overnight minimum about 27 F). One vole caught overnight in a meadow trap; no other traps springing. The linct has been taken from the steel trap; it will be set again tonight. I spend an hour in the fir-Rhododendron forest & along the banks of the Barren River but no birds are seen except those which have already been taken: Creepers fairly common in the firs; Chickadees & the tiny tit-like bird (W.W.D 76.) very common & usually seem to get her. The joy-like birds (W.W.D 80-81) frequently heard & one seen. A pair of Choughs flying high overhead. No mammal or sign observed. Spend the morning hunting in the firs, chopped & open slopes; however no new birds seen in these habitats. Just below the granite cliffs where a stream cuts through a talus slope, two birds are observed, the same sp. which have been frequently seen around streams in the lower Barren Valley & also along the Arun River. These are the birds whose stream habits, dipping, flying low over the water etc. seem similar to the Water Ouzel (W.W.D 26). One bird is shot; the other flies away.

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Marmot 25. Apr 23 kot. 1954 87 A finch is shot from its perch on the dry brush (WWO.81) along side the trail up valley. (900 H.M.) Chonglas fly continuously high above the canyon walls, they never seem to come down into the valley. A Raven is heard squawling across from camp, the bird is shot at & it flies to a fir top 160 yds away. I again approach shoot, & miss, & the Raven leaves the area. 71 On a walk down valley the most common birds are the Chickadee 76 & the Tit like birds (WWO.76) both of which frequent both the Fir & the Rock derbyon A small falcon flies 100 yds overhead, & this quiets all birds in the vicinity. Traps are checked during the day but nothing has been caught. As usual cloudy weather this after- noon, but not rain & skies are clear again by sundown, all tribu-tary streams draining the snow fields above the canyon wall are high & murthy this afternoon.

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April 29 1954 Broom Valley, Jan 12, 6:00 A.M., N.P. All traps taken in 6:00 A.M. this morning. A vole is caught in one of the meadow traps across a runway; this trap had previously (2 days ago) caught a vole (W.W.D. 89). See species account for more complete vole notes. From a rat trap placed inside a cave (see Apr 21 for description) a logomorph (Ochotoma?) is caught. This is where the numerous spherical droppings, 3/16" diam have been observed! (W.W.D. 90) 7:00 A.M. From a flock of at least 4 finches active in the dry chaparral near the stream a mole is shot (W.W.D. 91). Morning is spent putting up the 3 specimens. As we are about to leave, 11:25 A.M., a Limnagazer Limnagazer flies 60 ft over camp - the first of these seen down this low. 69 Pipits (W.W.P. 69) abound on the open slopes above timber line. There is much tail wagging by the birds as they scout over the ground. When a bird takes to the air it invariably utters a single whistled note. These birds act much like the American Pipits. (12:00 P.M.)

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Summary of Observations April 21 - 27 1954 Borun Buria Valley, elev. 12,600 ft., Nepal. Birds Nine species of birds were taken in this area. The only other small bird seen here was a small wren observed near camps & elsewhere always by steep brushy rock with chopped newly. Large birds seen in the vicinity include Choughs, soaring high above by the granite cliffs never descending into the valley; a Raven, a Krimmergeil, a Falcon, & a Ram Chukkar partridge, reported to me by another member. All these species would seem to be Palearctic rather than Oriental forms. Mammals The two lines of over 50 traps were set in a variety of habitats including: meadow, streamside, forest, choppral, & rock slope; but the Vole was the only species taken except for the single coy trapped in the cave. There was no small mammal evidence except for these two species (although a Martin was seen by another member of the party in the fir forest). This entire region is almost heavily grazed by domestic sheep a goats later in the season. A total of 7 mammals were caught out of 217 trap-nights; average 1/31 T-N.

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May 4 1954 Barun Valley 3 mi S.W. of Makalu, elen 15,500 ft. Nepal. A line of 16 traps: 9 mus.specs, 6 nut, & 1 #7 steel was set behind camp overnight; about half of them alongside or near the tents on a flat low-grassy (just becoming green) area and the others (mostly rat traps) among the rocks of the talus above. Camp is on a flat morainal ledge 50 ft above the Barun River Valley bottom. The river is about 1/2 mile away. The talus slope (S-facing) above camp is about 50 yds. but 200 yds & is composed of light colored angular granite blocks ranging in size from tiny to house-size. The slope is 20°-30°. Considerable 3/16" chasm dropping, some fresh bone been observed under the rocks & several Pikas have been seen previously. Also for the past 2 nights a mouse has entered the main tent. The steel traps was baited with dried carcass, the other traps with walnut meat. Two voles were caught overnight; one in a small trap near a tent, the other in a rat- trap in a grassy spot among the talus blocks. 93, 94 (W.W.D. 93, 94.) 8:30 A.M. A sparrow-like bird is shot from the group of common red-breasted Camp birds (W.W.D. 62, 66) but this specimen is later discarded because of spoilage.

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May 4 (cont.) 1454 Barren Rts. Valley S. SW. of Mahulu, elev. 15,500ft, Nepal. 8:40 A.M. A pilea (Ochotona?) is seen feeding on a grassy area below the talus near camp & is shot. (W.W.D. 95). Part of day is spent putting up the 3 specimens & traps are checked & left over night. Today Angtharling shot a partridge from the slopes above camp (see sp. account), slight snowfall this afternoon. May 5 Again 2 voles are caught in the small traps near our tents. There is no apparent efternal evidence of this species here: no runways or burrows. (W.W.D. 97, 98). None of the long traps were opening. 96 9:30 A.M. Two Pikas are seen scampering about the talus slopes above camp and one of these is shot (W.W.D. 96) 100 11:00 A.M. Angtharling shot a pigeon /Snow Pigeon - W.W.D. 100) near the ridge across from camp (see sp. account). The three mammals the pigeon & yesterday's partridge (W.W.D. 99) are put up during the day. Traps are inspected & taken in in late afternoon; nothing caught. It has been clear most of the day with only slight snowfall in late afternoon. There is some ground snow under the talus blocks remaining from the daily showers.

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Madam 1954 30 May April 17 Barni Bura Valley, elev. 12,600 ft., Nepal. Ang thorbu (Shepa-milnu) has shot a pheasant from this region of the barn some time this morning & has brought it to Base Camp for skinning (see earlier note for [description] of this bird). The feathers are about the head of this bird (W.P. 101.) is covered with Mallophaga; there must be at least 40 lice; about 20 of them are preserved by L. Swan. Crop contents of the pheasant is composed of Rhododendron flowers, green grass shoots, and twigs. Barni Bir. Valley, elev. 15,500 ft (Base Camp) Nepal. There is much green grass about 1½" high, and a low green forbi (1" high) in the Base Camp area now. No plants flowering here yet. Weather has been constantly clear in the mornings becoming overcast by about noon with usually a light snow shower in the afternoon (averaging about 1"). The snow rarely remains on the ground overnight. Humidity at 8:00 A.M. has been be- tween 60 & 80%. Minimum temperatures have averaged around 30°F & maximums about 50°F. (See N. Pace's Weather Summary for data from April 19 to end of trip.) 101

1954 May 18 Baram River Valley, 3 mi SE of Walabun, elev. 10,500 ft. Nepal. From the talus slope just above loose camp (see dis- craption earlier), a Pika is shot as it scampers out from under a boulder, 8:30AM. (W.W.D. 102). A single bird is seen ground feeding among the grass & low (turning green) firs near the talus slope. The bird is shot. This would appear to be the same black- tail bird which has been observed in flocks of 40 or more; however, these birds have occasionally been seen alone. Time 9:00 AM. (W.W.D. 103). During mid-morning Sherpa-sider Angtham boy shoots a Ram Chukor across the Baram Valley from here (see species account). (W.W.D. 104). Late morning & early afternoon spent putting up the specimens. Skies overcast by noon and a light snow this afternoon.

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McDunnmil 32. May 19 1954 Barum Hing Valley, Base Camp, elev 1530ft., - Negal. 8:00 AM. A bright red-chested finch is shot as it pecks at the ground in Base Camp (W.W.D. 105). This bird was seen two days ago in the area by another member, but had not previously been observed, so it must have recently immigrated into this locality. 105 9:30 A.M. I leave Base Camp going down the Barum Valley in hope of collecting any new birds (or mammals) to the area. This is a clear warm morning but almost no birds are seen. Finally a bird is shot, but it turns out to be the common red-chested sparrow-like bird which frequents Base Camp (W.W.D. 106). 106 105 11:30 A.M. A pair of finches (some as no 105) are seen feeding on a dry hillside. The male is shot (but later discarded). The female has no apparent color markings & flies out of view after the shot. Back at Camp 12:30 PM. The only bird species seen besides the above two on the trip is the flycatcher-like bird (W.W.D. 63, 64, 83, 84) which is commonly seen posted atop boulders in this locality. Early afternoon skinning the two birds.

Species Accounts

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Madame Notes 1. 1954 April 7 Brown Partridge, elev 15,000ft Nepal Partridge, in pairs & threes are first heard, then seen. A frequent call is a rapidly increasing clucking much like a starting steam locomotive. A scream rising in pitch often follows this call. Three birds are seen pecking at the ground near the bottom of a dry gully; there is some fresh snow under the rocks. As I approach the birds rapidly run uphill, pause for a moment then run on again. At the top of the knoll one bird seems to be standing guard from a rock top while the other two go about feeding. I climb the knoll and when I reach within 40yds. of the birds they all fly off downhill across the gully & up the other side with rapid short wingbeats, then a glide, & more wingbeats etc.; the partridge give a rapid whistled kee-kee-kee-- as they fly away. After stalks the birds several times during the morning 8:00 A.M - 11:30 A.M. The above pattern is always repeated, ie. the birds will waddle uphill, keep ing usually 100 yds ahead of me unless I manage to keep well from their view (noise less) then they will become less wary of my presence & commence feeding again but will with one bird as a lookout; the birds always prefer walking or running uphill [illegible]

1954 April 4 Bram Chuba (cont.) Bram Riv Valley elev. 13,000 ft. Nepal (cont.) downhill) unless I 'startle them with close range or by gunshot or unless they reach the top of a hill. In this case they invariably fly down & across a valley or gully. Two birds are shot today. April 6 A male partridge was shot this morning by B. Meyer. An internal examination of this bird discloses 3 large (3" long) nematodes lodged in the intestinal mesentery. These are preserved in formalin & by d. Suvor. Apr. 4-11 — General Impressions. During the past week I have been Bram Chuba hunting several times & some general impressions of the habit of these birds may be noted: They seem most active shortly after sunrise judging from the intensity of their calling but and they continue to feed & call on the lower slopes until nearly noon. Mornings are nearly always sunny & clear; however by noon skies become overcast and the birds seem to retire. Even on the days when it did not become cloudy until mid-afternoon, I failed to see or hear a single partridge after 11:30 AM. Bram Chuba have never been heard or seen in the late afternoon or evening.

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McDunni 1954 April 4-11 Notes Brown Chukar (cont.) L3. General impressions (cont.) The Brown Chukars are most commonly found in pairs, but larger numbers, up to eight or one instance, are not unusual. Only once has a solitary bird been observed. The preferred habitat at this time of year would seem to include some rocks (talus) nearby for shelter, low juniper, Rhododendrons and grass (all dry now), but the woody plants not too thick, and some water, either running or snow within about 500 yds. Cup shaped depressions among the dry grass or under the Rhododendron are made by the birds as they feed. Are they root feeders? Crop analysis of the birds shot has never given positive results. At this season there is no grain on which these birds may feed here. 100 ft above Base Camps there are several hollowed out places in the dust below some large rocks, obviously made by the Chukar judging from the numerous droppings nearby. One of these scooped out bowls is apparently quite fresh; the dust is smoothed down and no vegetation grows within its 24" diameter. These may be old resting sites, or roosting, or simply dusting grounds; the latter seems more

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Williami 1953/ Apr 4-11 Notes Base chamber (int) L4. General impressions (int.) probable small protection from predators would be rather scant here if they were used as nests. A diagram follows: Rock Rock moss nesting 29" dust -> level 12 ft. CC dust X X 3x5x4x4x6x14x6grass nesting dust level Dry Grass X X Rabbit holes? nesting dust -> level Slope here is approx. 30, S-facing. Under some larger granite blocks below this area the ground is covered with partridge droppings more numerous even than it in the dust level area alone. The scats are shaped as follows: [illegible] may be up to 2" long. No quick home been seen in this Base Camp area since we arrived; however, their calls are heard

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Notes Rom Chukor (int) 5 General Impression (int.) from the slopes above camp every morning. April 29 Angthakung has shot a female chukor somewhere near camp and four yolks, one enclosed in shell & preserved (W.W.D. 103) are found in the reproductive tract. May April 18 Borm River Valley (Base Camp) elev 15,500ft Ngwal. Angthakung shoots a partridge on the slopes directly across from Base Camp. This bird is skinned for pre- servation (W.W.D. 104). No parasites are found on this male. Crop contents (full) yield green grass and the tops of a com- mon bow green fish. Rom Chukors are still heard nearly every morning on the slopes around Base Camp.

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McLennie Notes 1954 Pariidge (not Rhea chaka)-W.W.D. 99 April 5 E. Side Bann Run Valley, elen. 15,000ft. Nepal. A flock of about 15 of these dark-colored partridges are seen apparently feeding on the juniper & low Rhododendron partially covered slopes in a side gully to the Bann Valley. There is some water flowing at the gully bottom. As two birds are shot off from this flock, the group flies away with heavy dust rising lenta. Unable to preserve the specimens. May 4 Bann Run Valley, elen. 16,000ft. Nepal. Sharpe Anthony says has shot an adult male partridge somewhere near Comp & a skin (W.W.D. 99.) is made of this bird.

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McKinnis Notes Snow Pigeon (W.W.D. 100) 1959 April 3 Brown Bird Valley, elev 15,000 ft., 4 mi S.W. of Moholm, Nepal. A flock of about 20 pigeons [illegible] (grey & white) are seen flying in very close formation from time to time. They fly out for off the ground for the most part in x and these dry gullies (see Journal for description). April 4 Four pigeons all flying less than 1 ft apart pass [illegible] 15 ft overhead as I am hunting for Rose Chasers. April 20 A flock of about 12 birds are seen feeding at the bottom of a dry gully. As I approach they fly & run up the hillside becoming spread out somewhat but still pecking at the ground, feeling apparently. Finally they take off in flight as a flock flying with strong & quiet wingbeats, and are not seen again, going a considerable distance. May 5 Brown Riv. Valley, elev 15,500 ft., Nepal. Sherpa Angthanbay has shot a Snow Pigeon (W.W.D. 100), & I put up a skin of the bird. The crop & throat of this bird are loaded with a 3/4" grain; the contents are preserved by L. Saxon.

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Mudamine Notes 11. Vole (Microtus?) MUU D6879, 75, 85, 8889 1954 April 21-24 Barun River Valley elev 12,600ft. Near [illegible]. In all open dry grass (now becoming green) there is much runway & burrow evidence of these voles. The runways are either just under the grass or are on the surface and are 2-3" across. Burrows are frequent & are the same dimensions. No nests were seen, although several burrows (usually under rocks) were investigated. Below is a typical 6'x6' plot. burrow stick Dry Grass Rock burrow Rocks Low Green Forbs green grass Rocks There is presently no apparent evidence of predation on these voles. A Martin was reportedly seen day before I arrived here and a Koenbergier & Falcon were seen by me on single occasions, besides the Shrike which was

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undetermined (cont.) Notes L2. Vole (Microtus) '68, 74, 75, 85, 88, 89 1954 Apr. 21-24 (cont.) Baram Kin. Valley elen 12,600ft, Nepal (cont.) shot on the first day, but no other predators have been observed in this fairly highly dense & apparently rapidly reproducing vole area. Of the 6 voles caught, 5 were taken overnight and one during the day between 7:00 A.M. & 1:30 P.M. (probably never the former), so this species must be mostly noct- turnal, perhaps explaining the apparent lack of daytime predation.

medamnie 1954 April 19 Notes from above 16,000 ft. Comp I, E side of Barun Valley, elev 16,500 ft., 2 mi S. of Maholm, Nepal. This camp is situated 100 ft. from a 250 ft. diameter unfrozen lobe. A glacier terminates in an icefall just above the lake, which lies in a bench on a 30-40° granite slope, partly talus. There is little vegetation apparent here. Short junipers or low rhododendrons about 800 ft. below. At this date there is no evidence of animal life except for old brown chitter daggings; however, I am only here for 2 hours. April 27 A solitary sandpiper is working at the edge of the lobe, apparently little disturbed by our presence 50 ft. away, 10:05 A.M. The bird resembles the Spotted Sandpiper in size (slightly larger, perhaps) and also in general pattern except that the feet are bright red and there is a red marring on the lower mandible. As the bird flies giving a sharp rapid whistled note, a white stripe running the length of under the wing is visible. The bird teeters continuously as it moves slowly about the water's edge, apparently searching for insects; several have been seen floating (dead?) in the lobe. The bird is still on the lobe as we leave this site 12:05 P.M.

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W[illegible] 1954 May 12 Camp II (cont.) of Wolabu. All is ice or snow in this area, and slope 25° due A pair of choughs alight on the snow 200 ft from camp. The choughs have bombed where this camp had previously been pitched [but changed due to avalonbe danger] and they are apparently scavenging for garbage dropped about the area. The bird remain in the vicinity most of the day. May 21 Camp I. No sign of bird or mam- mal life as we pass the lobe May 22 Camp II . Two choughs are feeding from the garbage remains of our old abandoned camp near here - as usual. This morning a set of small mammal tracks are noticed running on the snow across camp! Probably M[illegible]. These are followed 200 ft on either side of camp, so the mammal could not have poss been brought up in our packs. The tracks seem to be coming from a talus slope about 1/2 mile away; there may be some small vegetation there. However there is certainly no food source out here on the snow-covered glacier, and the

(Camp II, cont) nearest rocks in the diversion. The animal was feeding are over a mile away. Later and of the members reported seeing a pla at this Camp two days ago (reliable information). May 23 - June 4 Camp III & above. Camp III is located at 21,500 ft. on the snow col; Camp IV at 22,500 ft. on a steep (45-50°) snow slope. No bird or mammal has ever been observed at either of these Camps during this 12 day stay or during the previous two visits to Camp III. June 4 Camp I. It is quite warm as we pass through this Camp on our way to Base, but no animal life is seen here.

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